Dancing to the Taal

All About the New Bollywood Dance Club

Performance Rush: Manisha Abraham, Kareena Senghani, Nivetha Murali, Devanshi Parikh, Grace Geevarghese at the end of their first performance during the first pep rally. After their performance, them members felt a rush of adrenaline and were touched, seeing the school’s positive reaction to them. “It was scary performing in front of the whole school,” Manisha said, “but it was also cool to see everyone cheering for us.”

Photo by Jadyn Sims

Photo by Jadyn Sims

Performance Rush: Manisha Abraham, Kareena Senghani, Nivetha Murali, Devanshi Parikh, Grace Geevarghese at the end of their first performance during the first pep rally. After their performance, them members felt a rush of adrenaline and were touched, seeing the school’s positive reaction to them. “It was scary performing in front of the whole school,” Manisha said, “but it was also cool to see everyone cheering for us.”

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After their energetic performance at the September and November pep rallies, everyone wonders who these dancers are and what their story is. Taal is the new Bollywood dance club, created by juniors Manisha Abraham and Kareena Senghani.

“Taal means rhythm in Hindi,” Manisha said. “[Taal is an] opportunity for people to experience Indian culture. Here are so many people interested in other cultures, and I’d love to give others insight into my culture.”

The school is very diverse, and there are many clubs that relate to certain cultures such as Muslim Students Association, Asian Students Association and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Taal is another innovative club that gives people more insight into another culture.

Starting a club is a difficult process. Trying to balance extracurriculars and school is a feat on its own. Manisha and Kareena faced challenges such as trying to come up with a name for their club and choreographing and teaching a dance piece in time for their performance. But any obstacles that came their way were overcome with “a little music, creativity and, team effort,” said Kareena. With a lot of hard work also comes rewards.

“Performing at the pep rally was surreal; I was so excited yet so nervous,” Kareena said. “I wanted to be able to showcase something a little different to our school. The work we were able to throw together payed off. The response afterwards was amazing and I’m super glad people liked it.”

Taal is also a great way to gain new experiences.

“Indian dance is probably one of the best things I’ve ever done on impulse because it’s just so fun,” junior Kristina Montinola said,who recently joined Taal. “I saw Taal perform at the pep rally I just thought it looked so fun. It feels really good to be doing something way out of my comfort zone for once.”

Taal’s focus is to bring Indian culture to the school through dance.

“I’d encourage anyone to try, no experience required,” Kareena said. “Regardless of your so called talent or abilities, it’s enjoyable and there are so many types of Indian dances that are fun as well as those which encompass meaning.”